Treasures of the Danube(Nuremberg to Bucharest)

Military members and their spouses save 5% off cruises. This offer does not apply to certain extensions. Click here for eligible departures.

Offers subject to change or withdrawal, availability
is limited. Some discounts are not combinable.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 Nuremberg
Welcome to Nuremberg. Transfer to your luxury river cruise ship and be welcomed by your Captain and crew. The city is situated along the Main–Danube canal, an engineering masterpiece linking the rivers of Germany with the mighty Danube which flows from the Alps to the Black Sea. Some of the locks are as high as 25 metres, with only inches on each side, the navigation of them showcases the Captain's skill. This evening enjoy your first dinner on board. (D)

Day 2 Kelheim - Regensburg
This morning takes you through the final stretch of the fascinating Main–Danube Canal to Kelheim. Continue cruising along the Danube River to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. On our guided walking tour you’ll have the chance to stroll across one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall. EmeraldPLUS Tonight, enjoy a Bavarian Band on board. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Passau
Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Return for lunch and an afternoon cruising along the Danube River. (B,L,D)

Optional Tour Enjoy a day tour to Salzburg, the home of ‘The Sound of Music’ and the birth place of Mozart; or Cesky Krumlov a UNESCO World Heritage site which has been preserved as an example of medieval life (additional expense).

Day 4 Melk - Durnstein
Situated within Austria’s wine–growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900–year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and fresco ceilings. Be guided through the artistic corridors by one of the local students for an insight into Abbey life. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley lined with medieval castles, and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Stroll along the cobbled streets or perhaps join Emerald Active for a guided biking tour along the Danube River. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Vienna
Welcome to Vienna, the “City of Waltzes”. Today we explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see Vienna’s world famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. On foot your guide will take you through the grounds of the palace which once was home to over 1000 nobles. Pass the training stable of the Spanish Riding School into the centre of Vienna where St Stephen's Cathedral stands proud in the main square. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Vienna, perhaps try some chocolate cake and coffee that the city is famous for. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Bratislava
Set on the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava the capital of Slovakia, embodies various cultures – primarily Celtic, Roman and Slavic. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. EmeraldPLUS The highlight will be a home hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family. This evening the Captain will be delighted to welcome you to the Captain’s Gala Dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Budapest
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex with Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church, and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. Later, there is free time to visit the city markets or the famous thermal baths. This evening the ship will take you for a night–time cruise along the Danube, passing under the city’s numerous bridges, whilst enjoying a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner, complete with folk dancing and music. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Budapest
Today is a full day at leisure in Budapest. Your Cruise Director will be on hand to assist on you how best to spend your day. Perhaps a visit to the city market, enjoy relaxing at the local thermal baths. Tonight enjoy dinner on board with views of the city lights. (B,L,D)

Optional Tour: Excursion to the picturesque village of Sentendre (additional expense)

Day 9 Kalocsa
Early this morning we sail out of Budapest towards Kalocsa, one of the oldest towns in Hungary, famous for the production of paprika. This afternoon visit a local Puszta Horse Farm and enjoy a performance showcasing the exceptional riding skills of Magyar horseman. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Osijek
Cruise into the border region of Croatia today, an area that was heavily damaged during the Croatian War of Independence at the end of the communist era. EmeraldPLUS Enjoy meeting a local family who will welcome you for a traditional home hosted lunch and an opportunity to learn about everyday life. Compare stories back at the ship and enjoy an evening of sailing further down the Danube into Serbia, where remnants of former conflicts can be regularly seen along the river banks. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Belgrade
Serbia's vibrant capital awaits today, your city tour includes a visit to Tito's Memorial, the impressive Fortress Kalemegdan and St Sava Church which is the world's largest orthodox cathedral. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Iron Gate
Relax on board today as you sail through the narrow gorge between the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains known as the Iron Gates. The narrow and once dangerous passage boasts spectacular scenery forming the border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Svishtov - Veliko Tarnovo - Arbanassi
Cruise into Bulgaria where the ship docks at the former roman town of Svishtov. Travel by coach to the Impressive cliff top town of Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Bulgarian empire known once as the 'city of the Tsars'. Then visit the historic town of Arbanassi perched on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra valley and lined with traditional houses. The town is known for its 17th and 18th century churches and many examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture. (B,L,D)

Day 14 Silistra
Relax in the riverside city of Silistra which was once a Roman fort under the Byzantine empire and was later part of the Ottoman conquest. Later enjoy a visit to a local village to experience the traditional farming community. (B,L,D)

Optional Tour Excursion to the Black Sea (additional expense)

Day 15 Disembark Bucharest
This morning disembark your Emerald Waterways river cruise and journey by road to Romania's capital, Bucharest. Your city tour includes the enormous Palace of the Parliament, Europe's largest building constructed by former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. The city's wide avenues have a distinctly French feel, in fact the city is often referred to as the Paris of the East. (B,L)

Day 16 Bucharest
Enjoy free time in Bucharest, known as the Paris of the East, with it's wide boulevards and designer shops. (B,D)

Day 17 Bucharest
Your tour concludes after breakfast when you are transferred to the airport for your onward or home bound flight. (B)

Tour Map

All This Included

PREMIUM INCLUSIONS

Explore 18 different cities, towns and villages with a guide during our included tours and shore excursions

Guided walking tour of Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities

*
The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.